Downpatrick's Prospects Looking Up

A funding boost of just under £1m for a range of new initiatives in Downpatrick has just been announced.

Department of Social Development (DSD) Minister Nelson McCausland (pictured) has said that the measures are aimed at improving health, employability and supporting community development.

Many will be implemented over a four-year period and have been financed with grants of over £560,000 provided through DSD's Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund.

This has helped to lever in additional contributions of over £360,000 from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and Down District Council.

DUP Minister Nelson McCausland said: "This new phase of projects will build on the previous successes in the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area which include the flagship Ballymote Centre.

"It represents further major investment in the area with a significant amount of levered contributions from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and Down District Council. The programmes will help improve the quality of life for the residents of the area," he added.

The initiatives include a Family Health and Well Being Project as well as a parenting support programme, including early years interventions, offering assistance to vulnerable families, delivered by Downpatrick, SureStart, Drive Your Way To Success - a one year pilot job taster programme to be provided by the South Eastern Regional College and a Community Support and Leadership Programme – a community based programme to assist local community groups to organise activities, encourage community volunteering and work with statutory agencies to address local issues as they arise.

Minister McCausland said: "These projects span the full spectrum of community, physical, economic and social renewal which are the four strategic objectives of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.

"The are a clear example of how we can tackle deprivation and assist regeneration through a partnership approach involving the public, private and community sectors and I would like to congratulate all those involved in their development," he added.

The Vice-Chairman of Down District Council Councillor, Liam Johnston welcomed the news.

"On behalf of Down District Council I would like to thank the Department for Social Development as the lead department responsible for the programme and one of its main funders, for its support and guidance to the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Partnership.

(BMcC/GK)